Charmingly proportioned with a sweet, rounded silhouette this teapot from Taiwanese potter Zhang Yun Cheng offers a cheerful start to your morning tea preparation. Thrown on the potter’s wheel from sand-colored stoneware clay, it’s glazed in a pillowy shino, naturally parting to reveal the texture and body of the clay beneath. A gently knobbed finial emphasizes the rotund belly of the form, mirrored again in the smooth curve of the handle. Inside, an expertly constructed ball filter provides easy, dripless pouring.

Pictured is one in a series of similar pieces. Slight variations are possible from piece to piece, a hallmark of hand-made pottery.

Usage and care: The interior of each pot is glazed, and may be used with all tea types. To wash, simply rinse between uses or hand scrub with mild detergent.